Share this:

It’s easy to take pot shots at the draft classes. So in order to be more of a stand-up guy, I decided to pick my own draft for the sake of comparison with this year’s 49ers draft. First I listed the 49ers’ pick and then follow with my own. So now, instead of taking pot shots at the 49ers, you can take them at me!

1. 49ers DE Aldon Smith, Missouri.

1. QB Jake Locker, Washington. Among the most controversial picks in the draft because he went so high (no. 8 to the Titans). Many draftnicks, particularly NFL network’s Mike Myock believe he’s far too inaccurate to be an effective NFL starter, a view held by many based on Locker’s 54 percent career completion percentage. However, he had only one good receiver and no tight end. His receivers dropped passes with regularity; he also played behind a horrendous offensive line. With a better cast, and a coaching of fundamentals, Locker could blossom. Also, Locker showed the rare ability to evade tackles, reset his feet and throw. Not only that, he loves the game, was really proficient in the red zone, and led two late-game comebacks against the hated Trojans in consecutive years. There’s greatness embedded in this guy.

2. 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, Nevada

2. DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson. Many view Bowers as the best player in the draft. Explosive and recorded 26 tackles for losses last year. The guy can dominate, but of course, the main concern is his knee, which might not hold up. However with medical advances, Bowers is worth the risk. He could change your defense. Pair him with Justin Smith as an inside pass rusher and watch the quarterbacks scatter!

3. CB DeMarcus Van Dyke, Miami. Ran a 4.28 at the combine and his agility through drills (check out youtube) is impressive. He has good hands, and he goes after the ball. He would infuse needed speed into an aging cornerback corps. He was dogged by inconsistency and was benched for a time last year. Some believe he doesn’t tackle, but he made some big hits last year. He could be brought along with the right coaching and the experienced Ed Donatel is the guy to do it.

4. 49ers RB Kendall Hunter, Oklahoma State

4. RB Delone Carter, Syracuse. On tape, he seems just as quick as Hunter, but Carter’s 22 pounds heavier. He likes to finish runs and is almost Frank Gore-like with his pass protection.

4. FB Owen Marecic, Stanford. I personally don’t like Marecic; I don’t think he’s explosive enough to be effective. However, if the head coach wants a player and Jim Harbaugh wanted him, you go and get him. The 49ers traded their picks in the sixth to get Marecic.

5. 49ers G Daniel Kilgore, Appalachian State.

5. CB Richard Sherman, Stanford. The 49ers traded one of their many seventh-round picks to move up for Sherman. He’s a physical corner who is still learning the position. He’s also the only Stanford student athlete to emerge from Compton, Ca. That should tell you all you need to know about his character.

6. 49ers WR Ronald Johnson USC

7. 49ers FB Bruce Miller, Central Florida

7. 49ers G Mike Person Montana State

7. 49ers CB Curtis Holcomb Florida A&M

7. DE Greg Romeus, Pittsburgh. Projected as a middle-round pick, he fell due to a torn ACL. Good pass rusher who could play a stand up position.

7. Person. The guy has extremely high character and became somewhat of a legend at Montana State. He’s undersized but mobile and could be seen as a perfect West Coast lineman.